Labeling food

Parsing the subtle differences between foods labeled “organic” and “natural” is an interesting exercise, but both categories are identical where it counts: nutrition (“Organic vs. natural; Labeling of food a growing source of confusion, critics say,” Page 1, July 10).

Countless experts have solidly debunked the frequent claim that organic is a guarantee of greater nutrition. And as we learned from the recent peanut recall, organic produce certainly isn’t immune to deadly contamination. The fact that organic food companies and their non-profit defenders are attacking their “natural” competitors so aggressively is a good sign. So is consumers awakening to the fact that organic is “just a fancy way of saying expensive,” as quoted in your story.

As the market for misleading health gimmicks shrinks, so will Americans’ grocery bills.